Oliver Twist

Set in the first half of the 19th century, the classic novel presents the story of young orphan Oliver Twist, who endures tumultuous events in a society burdened by poverty, crime and malice. After being poorly treated in a workhouse, Oliver escapes to London where instead of finding a better life he ends up tangled in a web of criminal activities.

The novel opens with the introduction of Oliver, a waif who has spent his short life living in miserable conditions in a workhouse. Along with other fellow orphans, he is regularly beaten and underfed. One day the young, hungry orphans decide to draw sticks in order to determine who will ask for another portion of gruel. The unlucky representative of the starving children is Oliver, who goes up to the stern Mr. Bumble and makes his famous plea “Please sir, I want some more”. Unimpressed by such a request, the authoritarian administrators of the workhouse offer five pounds to anyone willing to take the boy as an apprentice. Subsequently, Oliver is apprenticed to local undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry.

Things do not get any easier, as Oliver is bullied by fellow apprentice Noah Claypole who also causes him to be unfairly flogged by their superiors. Consequently, Oliver decides to run away and is quickly on his way to London where he meets a boy his own age by the name of Jack Dawkins. Unaware that his new found companion is a pickpocket, Oliver naively follows Jack to the house of his benefactor Fagin where he is offered shelter. He is also oblivious to the fact that Fagin is in reality a criminal who trains young boys in the art of pick pocketing. Oliver is swept up in the corrupt game mastered by Fagin, and once again must escape the grasps of captivity in order to find happiness.

Apart from creating a brilliant piece of literature, Dickens has also documented a significant time in social history. Exploring troubling issues of the time including child labor, treatment of orphans, and child recruitment into the criminal world, Oliver Twist is one of the earliest examples of a novel exploring social criticism.

Set in the first half of the 19th century, the classic novel presents the story of young orphan Oliver Twist, who endures tumultuous events in a society burdened by poverty, crime and malice. After being poorly treated in a workhouse, Oliver escapes to London where instead of finding a better life he ends up tangled in a web of criminal activities.

The novel opens with the introduction of Oliver, a waif who has spent his short life living in miserable conditions in a workhouse. Along with other fellow orphans, he is regularly beaten and underfed. One day the young, hungry orphans decide to draw sticks in order to determine who will ask for another portion of gruel. The unlucky representative of the starving children is Oliver, who goes up to the stern Mr. Bumble and makes his famous plea “Please sir, I want some more”. Unimpressed by such a request, the authoritarian administrators of the workhouse offer five pounds to anyone willing to take the boy as an apprentice. Subsequently, Oliver is apprenticed to local undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry.

Things do not get any easier, as Oliver is bullied by fellow apprentice Noah Claypole who also causes him to be unfairly flogged by their superiors. Consequently, Oliver decides to run away and is quickly on his way to London where he meets a boy his own age by the name of Jack Dawkins. Unaware that his new found companion is a pickpocket, Oliver naively follows Jack to the house of his benefactor Fagin where he is offered shelter. He is also oblivious to the fact that Fagin is in reality a criminal who trains young boys in the art of pick pocketing. Oliver is swept up in the corrupt game mastered by Fagin, and once again must escape the grasps of captivity in order to find happiness.

Apart from creating a brilliant piece of literature, Dickens has also documented a significant time in social history. Exploring troubling issues of the time including child labor, treatment of orphans, and child recruitment into the criminal world, Oliver Twist is one of the earliest examples of a novel exploring social criticism.

Reviewer:Sandy - November 17, 2015Subject:great readerExcellent book, and excellent reader! I don't know how he kept all the voices straight.

Reviewer:WG - October 23, 2015His voice was great! The creative personalities of Dickens came to life through the reader.

Reviewer:李明博 - August 12, 2015Subject:雾都孤儿很赞的一本书，读过中文版。再来听一次英文原版。谢谢资源

Reviewer:John smith - August 2, 2015I really like Dickens' work. The narrater however, I think that I may listen with some eager anticipation as he would read a dictionary. Thank you all for making these works available to us all.

Reviewer:Dennis jayjohn - August 1, 2015Subject:Oliver TwistI loved the story, but the reader was absolutely fantastic!!! I could listen to him read all day. I would listen to a book just to here him tell the tale. Thank You!

Reviewer:Julie - December 12, 2014Subject:ReviewWOW! What an EXCELLENT job Tige did on narrating this book. I could not stop listening. Applause and standing ovation on narrating this classic book.

Reviewer:Cilla E - October 15, 2014Subject:Oliver TwistI love how he reads! He brings the book to life! I especially love his accents for each character.

Reviewer:Steve k. - September 25, 2014Subject:Oliver twist reviewT. Hines is an amazing talent. His voice characterzations are more that of an actor than a reader. I loved every word!

Reviewer:Wendy - September 15, 2014I loved this book, very well read.

Reviewer:Ross T - August 21, 2014Subject:Oliver twistI like the readers voice, he had more of an Irish accent but that was ok.

Reviewer:Eiman ahmed - June 8, 2014Subject:oliver twistCharles dickens was the finest novelist and his novel Oliver twist is one of my favorite novels.

Reviewer:Aimy Z - January 15, 2014Subject:Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Far from the Madding CrowdT. Hynes is just fabulous at making characters come to life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the books I have listened to him read and can't wait to find more... I mean, honestly, what's better than listening to an Irishman read you a fabulous story? :)

Reviewer:blakshema - October 28, 2013Subject:Forein LiteratureOMG! This is like, my favorite book from the U.K. Charles Dickens was a top notch author.